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THINK & GROW RICH
twenty-five years, the other is my own son. The unusual success of these two men, success which they generously accredit to the principle described in the next chapter, more than justifies this personal reference as a means of emphasizing the far-flung power of this principle.
Almost fifteen years ago, I delivered the Commencement Address at Salem College, Salem, West Virginia. I emphasized the principle described in the next chapter, with so much intensity that one of the members of the graduating class definitely appropriated it, and made it a part of his own philosophy. The young man is now a Member of Congress, and an important factor in the present administration. Just before this book went to the publisher, he wrote me a letter in which he so clearly stated his opinion of the principle outlined in the next chapter, that I have chosen to publish his letter as an introduction to that chapter.
It gives you an idea of the rewards to come.
"My dear Napoleon:
"My service as a Member of Congress having given me an insightinto the problems of men and women, I am writing to offer a suggestionwhich may become helpful to thousands of worthy people.
"With apologies, I must state that the suggestion, if acted upon,will mean several years of labor and responsibility for you, but I amenheartened to make the suggestion, because I know your great love forrendering useful service.
"In 1922, you delivered the Commencement address at SalemCollege, when I was a member' of the graduating class. In that address,you planted in my mind an idea which has been responsible for theopportunity I now have to serve the people of my State, and will beresponsible, in a very large measure, for whatever success I may have inthe future.
"The suggestion I have in mind is, that you put into a book thesum and substance of the address you delivered at Salem College, and inthat way give the people of America an opportunity to profit by yourmany years of experience and association with the men who, by theirgreatness, have made America the richest nation on earth.
"I recall, as though it were yesterday, the marvelous descriptionyou gave of the method by which Henry Ford, with but little schooling,without a dollar, with no influential friends, rose to great heights. I madeup my mind then, even before you had finished your speech, that I would Do You Feel Frustrated, Stuck Or Overwhelmed by the Concepts in this eBook?
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THINK & GROW RICH
make a place for myself, no matter how many difficulties I had tosurmount.
"Thousands of young people will finish their schooling this year,and within the next few years. Every one of them will be seeking just sucha message of practical encouragement as the one I received from you. Theywill want to know where to turn, what to do, to get started in life. Youcan tell them, because you have helped to solve the problems of so many,many people.
"If there is any possible way that you can afford to render so greata service, may I offer the suggestion that you include with every book, oneof your Personal Analysis Charts, in order that the purchaser of the bookmay have the benefit of a complete self-inventory, indicating, as youindicated to me years ago, exactly what is standing in the way of success.
"Such a service as this, providing the readers of your book with acomplete, unbiased picture of their faults and their virtues, would mean tothem the difference between success and failure. The service would bepriceless.
"Millions of people are now facing the problem of staging acomeback, because of the depression, and I speak from personal experiencewhen I say, I know these earnest people would welcome the opportunity totell you their problems, and to receive your suggestions for the solution.
"You know the problems of those who face the necessity ofbeginning all over again. There are thousands of people in America todaywho would like to know how they can convert ideas into money, peoplewho must start at scratch, without finances, and recoup their losses. Ifanyone can help them, you can.
"If you publish the book, I would like to own the first copy thatcomes from the press, personally autographed by you.
"With best wishes, believe me,
"Cordially yours,
"JENNINGS RANDOLPH"
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THINK & GROW RICH
CHAPTER 2
DESIRE
THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT
The First Step toward Riches
WHEN Edwin C. Barnes climbed down from the freight train in Orange, N. J., more than thirty years ago, he may have resembled a tramp, but his thoughts were those of a king!
As he made his way from the railroad tracks to Thomas A. Edison's office, his mind was at work. He saw himself standing in Edison's presence. He heard himself asking Mr. Edison for an opportunity to carry out the one CONSUMING
OBSESSION OF HIS LIFE, a BURNING DESIRE to become the business associate of the great inventor.
Barnes' desire was not a hope! It was not a wish! It was a keen, pulsating DESIRE, which transcended everything else. It was DEFINITE.
The desire was not new when he approached Edison. It had been Barnes'
